Nothing Compares to the Duke by Christy Carlyle | ARC Review

Series: The Duke's Den, #3
Tropes & Traits: fake relationship; titled hero; reformed rake
Genre/Setting: Historical, Victorian; England
Publication Date: 5.26.20
Heat Level: 3/5
Rating: 4/5 stars

Rhys Forester, now the Duke of Claremont, believes his only talent lies in entertaining people and he's spent his life thus far completely immersed in scandalous parties and an even more scandalous interest in trade.  But his inheritance comes with unexpected debts, leading to the necessity for Rhys to return to his family's estate and investigate the issue.  This means confronting the beautiful neighbor who was his lifelong friend until he inadvertently ruined their relationship in the only true regret he carries.

Arabella Prescott has had three seasons and rejected five marriage proposals and hopes to never have to endure the matrimonial scene again.  She hopes to live comfortably, alone with her books, but her parents are intent on moving to Greece where her father has received a teaching position that greatly interests him and where the climate will be better for his health.  They are loathe to leave her unsettled, but Bella knows thy need to go and soon, which means she needs a fiance and help may come in the form of the man she'd hoped to have no further dealings with.

Though she can somewhat forgive Rhys, she can never forget the hurt his actions caused.  A fake engagement to him is just what she needs to appease her parents, but she must be careful to guard her heart.  To that end, she establishes rules for herself and Rhys to ensure their engagement remains fake and no one gets hurt, but soon they find themselves breaking all those rules and what was meant to be fake rapidly becomes all too real.

I adored these two together, I just really wish Rhys had had a better sense of self-worth and not been such a wild, partying rake.  I did love it when Rhys opened his eyes to the attraction he's truly always had for Bella.  I just wished Rhys would've pursued Bella a little harder, rather than giving her so much time to think and decide.  Overall, these two were cute together and I was glad to see so much open communication between them.  This was a satisfying ending to the series and I'm looking forward to what's next from this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2843749248
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4143592175